Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano, both linear switches. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is praised for its smooth keystrokes and innovative CAP structure, minimizing resistance for a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its stability and refined typing feel, the Durock Piano offers a unique frictionless and silky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by each switch.
Despite their differences, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano share similarities in their approach to housing materials. Both switches focus on utilizing materials that can enhance the sound profile for a more enjoyable typing experience. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon housing absorbs sound for a duller and rounder sound, the Piano's POM blend contributes to a deep and satisfying sound profile. These similarities suggest that both switches prioritize the acoustic qualities of their housing materials to provide users with a premium typing experience.
In terms of sound distribution, the top and bottom housing materials of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano play a crucial role in creating distinct sound profiles. The qualities of the bottom housing material impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, whereas the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for each part of the switch contributes differently to the overall typing experience, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right materials to achieve the desired sound profile for mechanical switches like the CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano.
Weight
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milky Yellow requires 65 grams, while the Piano requires 63.5 grams, making the Piano slightly lighter. The Milky Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Piano provides a similar, but slightly lighter, typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, making them suitable for those who prefer a firmer keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on either key featuring these switches, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. Whether you choose the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow or the Durock Piano, you can be assured that the travel distance will be the same, resulting in similar key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and rich sound profile when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is also described as having a bassy sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow potentially offering a slightly more diverse sound profile due to its additional descriptors.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is often described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a premium typing sensation, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow emphasizing a buttery feel while the Durock Piano focuses on a silky and frictionless experience.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Durock Piano linear switches offer exceptional sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may provide a deeper and richer sound profile with a buttery keystroke experience, the Durock Piano excels in delivering a smooth and frictionless typing sensation with a creamy sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a premium typing experience from either switch, ensuring satisfaction and comfort during extended typing sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with enhanced stability and reduced wobble, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow with its buttery feel and thocky, bassy sound may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature and a material blend that offers a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so your decision should ultimately come down to your preferences for typing feel and sound. Happy typing!
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